I saw this press release in Saturday's New York Times. It saddened me. Liberace is part of Palm Springs history, he lived here in the desert, in fact his beautiful home is just a stone's throw from where I live (see photo above left). Maybe we can get the Las Vegas Museum to relocate it to Palm Springs...Here is their press release:
LIBERACE MUSEUM TO CLOSE ITS DOORS OCT. 17
Las Vegas – After 31 years of operation, the Liberace Museum will close its doors Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010 to focus its monetary contributions on the Liberace Foundation.
Due to the economic downturn and the decline in the number of visitors, the Museum is forced to close the space and focus primarily on its dedication to the Foundation and the donation of scholarships.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we feel it is important to close the Museum to ensure the future of the Liberace Foundation and to keep the legacy of Liberace alive through its continued scholarship program,” said Jeff Koep, chair of the Liberace Foundation. “Since the inception of the foundation 34 years ago, more than $6 million in scholarships have been awarded to 2,700 students, and we will continue to award scholarships to deserving individuals.”
The memorabilia at the Liberace Museum will be maintained. A national touring exhibit is planned, and details will be announced at a later time. The board will also continue to research options for a location change to make the Museum more accessible to potential patrons.
“The traveling exhibit is an exciting way to share the life and legacy of Liberace while providing an income stream for the Foundation,” said Koep. “In no way do we intend to close the doors and not continue to explore options that will allow us to reopen at a later date.” The Museum hours will be extended until the closing date, which will be announced at a later time.
The Liberace Museum is a non-profit organization that supports the mission of The Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts which has funded scholarships since 1976. The scholarship program has provided nearly $6 million in scholarships, touching the lives of more than 2,700 students from 120 of the nation's premier institutions. For more information, to make a donation and to become a supporter of the Liberace Foundation, call 702.798.5595, visit the website at www.liberace.org, or email info@liberace.org.
For old time's sake- watch this quick video clip of the great Liberace performing:
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Sad, but understandable. We know have two generations who are removed from Liberace and his famous performances. Glad the exhibits will take to the road, though, and that his foundation is still viable.
ReplyDeletei was so fortunate to have been able to go to one of his concerts. what an amazing talent! loved him!
ReplyDeletesmiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoox
wow, that's a bummer...
ReplyDeleteI always had a love for him as a child. Such a showman. He showed me there was no such thing as too much bling. none of his flash outsparkled his talent and none of the glittering gems outshone the twinkle of joy in his eyes, sharing his love and his gift with the world.
ReplyDeleteI remember the first time I saw Liberace on Television. He had a Local Los Angeles 15 minute TV Show....He had he Piano and Candleabra amd he was in a Tux......I think it was around 1958?? Not really sure about that date---it could have been earler....The truth is, he was NOT a great Pianist, but he sure was the Consummate Showman....!
ReplyDeleteSad that there isn't enough traffic going through that Museum to warrent keeping it open.....Ahhhhh Progress.. Sometimes, it Stinks!
that's a shame. He is an Icon.
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